Excerpted from the Rachel Carlson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine
What is a Rain Garden?
Here before you is a rain garden: a man-made depression designed to absorb precipitation runoff from surrounding impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways,walkways and lawns. Impervious surfaces act as a barrier to groundwater recharge by preventing surface waters from soaking into the ground. As the number of impervious surfaces increases worldwide, the incidence of surface water pollution and flooding events increase as well. Rain gardens, although small, are a great way to combat the problems associated with runoff from impervious surfaces. During storm events, rain gardens mimic natural drainage conditions. Planted vegetationtakes up excess water alloing the remaining water to slowly filter through the soil loyers before entering the groundwater system. This prevents both local flooding and the formation of standing water pools that can harbor mosquito larvae.
Benefits of a Rain Garden:
Filter runoff pollution
Recharge local groundwater
Conserve water
Improve water quality
Protect rivers, ponds and streams
Require little maintenance
Remove standing water
Reduce mosquito breeding
Reduce potential of local flooding
Create habitat for birds and butterflies
Plants survive in drought seasons